The 2022 ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC) kicked off today in Puerto Rico with a festive Opening Ceremony at San Juan’s iconic beachfront.
Team spirit was in full swing for the Parade of Nations, which featured the world’s best SUP and paddleboarders, representing 25 national teams, coming together for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic.
A member from each nation poured sand from their local beach into a single container for the Sands of the World Ceremony, a symbol of the peaceful gathering of nations of the world through surfing.
The large local crowd and fellow teams cheered extra loud and long for Nourhan Mohamed, the first ever representative from Egypt to participate in an ISA event. Mohamed’s nation is the 111th National Federation and the newest to join the ISA.
A local group, Comparsa de Talentos de San Juan, provided a rousing cultural performance. By the end of their song they had every single athlete dancing together in front of the stage in an entertaining show of unity.
Dignitaries in attendance included President of the Local Organizing Committee, Richard Carrion, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Carlos Mercado, ISA Executive Director, Robert Fasulo, and President of the National Olympic Committee, Sara Rosario.
Speaking by video, ISA President Fernando Aguerre shared:
“We are so, so happy to be back in Puerto Rico after many years. This beautiful island, the Caribbean, this important part of surfing history, is welcoming again the ISA. In this case the stand-up paddleboarders of the world.
“I wish the very best to everybody. I know that this is going to be fun times, incredible times. I send everybody my best wishes for a great competition and friendships in the tropical waters and tropical weather of Puerto Rico.
“To the people of Puerto Rico, thank you for welcoming the ISA to your beautiful island.”
During the official press conference held earlier in the day, Mayor of San Juan, Miguel Romero said:
“I am more than delighted and proud to have this event in Puerto Rico and am grateful for the collaboration of all those involved in bringing this competition to Puerto Rico. I am thrilled because it is an opportunity for us to maximize our capacity to carry out events such as these, which are an important 10 days, not only for the sport but also for our economy.”
The 2022 WSUPPC is set to begin with the Sprint Races at 12:00pm, Saturday, October 29, at El Escambrón.
Full schedule on isasurf.org
